The winter chills in Salzburg didn’t stop Bayern Munich from turning up the heat in their 6-0 demolition of RB Salzburg. On January 6, 2025, in a friendly showdown at the Red Bull Arena, Vincent Kompany’s side reminded everyone why they are one of Europe’s top teams. Let’s dive into the highlights of this spectacular match.
The Match: Bayern in Full Throttle
Despite being a friendly, Bayern Munich approached the game with professionalism and flair. The team, even in its “Plan B” formation, was simply too much for Salzburg. By halftime, Bayern had already stormed to a 3-0 lead, leaving little room for doubt about the outcome. The final whistle confirmed a resounding 6-0 victory.
First Half Dominance
- Joshua Kimmich opened the scoring with a stunning volley, setting the tone for the evening. He was everywhere—assisting, scoring, and even donning the captain’s armband after halftime.
- Eric Dier, playing in place of the suspended Upamecano, doubled the lead with a powerful header. “Ein Schuss, ein Tor, der Dier!” rang through the stadium as the Englishman showcased his aerial prowess.
- Arda Güler made it 3-0 with a fantastic strike from the edge of the box, further cementing his reputation as a rising star in Bayern’s ranks.
Second Half: A Parade of Goals
- The second half saw Raphaël Guerreiro and substitutes like Dayot Upamecano maintain Bayern’s dominance, ensuring Salzburg had little breathing room.
- Güler added his second goal of the night, showing composure and technical brilliance. The young star’s performance left fans buzzing with excitement.
- Thomas Müller, though not on the scoresheet, orchestrated play like a maestro, keeping Salzburg’s defense guessing.
- A sixth and final goal came from another superb team play, rounding off a clinical performance.
Player Ratings: Stars and Standouts
- Joshua Kimmich (Note: 1)
The engine of Bayern’s midfield. A goal, an assist, and leadership to boot. Could he be any more perfect? - Arda Güler (Note: 1)
A dazzling performance with two goals and silky skills. The Turkish youngster is making a case for more minutes. - Eric Dier (Note: 2)
Solid defensively and dangerous in the air, Dier filled Upamecano’s shoes admirably. - Alphonso Davies (Note: 4)
A bit off-color defensively but still contributed to the attack. Needs to shake off the rust. - Daniel Peretz (Note: 3)
Reliable between the sticks. While rarely tested, he did what was needed.
Coach Kompany’s Take
Bayern Munich’s coach, Vincent Kompany, was pleased with the performance:
“We’re ready for the Bundesliga restart. This match was a fitness test, and we passed with flying colors. Most importantly, no injuries!”
What Salzburg Learned
Salzburg coach Thomas Letsch admitted his team was outclassed:
“Bayern was simply two levels above us. But it’s a learning experience, and we’ll grow from this.”
FAQs
Joshua Kimmich, Eric Dier, Arda Güler (2 goals), and two others contributed to the 6-0 victory.
No, Neuer was rested due to a minor injury. Daniel Peretz started in goal.
Bayern faces Borussia Mönchengladbach in their Bundesliga restart on January 11, 2025.
Despite their best efforts, Salzburg struggled against Bayern’s overwhelming quality, losing 6-0.
Conclusion: Bayern Flexes Their Muscles
The RB Salzburg vs Bayern friendly was more than just a warm-up; it was a statement. Bayern Munich showcased their depth, talent, and readiness for the challenges ahead. With stars like Kimmich and Güler firing on all cylinders, Vincent Kompany’s men look poised for another dominant run in the Bundesliga and beyond.
Salzburg, though outplayed, will take valuable lessons into their domestic campaign. For now, all eyes are on Bayern as they march confidently into the second half of the season. Football fans, buckle up—it’s going to be a thrilling ride!
